The Democracy Fund works on things that make democracy work better. Created out of a deep respect for the U.S. Constitution and our nation’s core democratic values, we invest in organizations working to ensure that our political system is able to withstand new challenges and deliver on its promise to the American people. At the heart of our vision for the future are three core commitments: fostering more effective governance in the United States, modernizing our election and campaign finance systems, and strengthening our media to help people understand and participate in the democratic process.

For all regular full-time positions, the Democracy Fund offers:

A competitive base salary and performance incentive pay

A retirement savings plan, including an employer contribution as well as an employer match

Senior Associate, Cybersecurity Policy

Democracy Fund is a bipartisan foundation that invests in organizations working to ensure that our political system is able to withstand new challenges and deliver on its promise to the American people. We work on things that make democracy work better.

At the heart of our vision for the future are three core commitments: fostering more effective governance in the United States, modernizing our election and campaign finance systems, and strengthening our media and the public square to help people understand and participate in the democratic process. To date, we have committed more than $100 million in support of a healthy democracy.

Out of deep respect for the U.S. Constitution and our nation’s core democratic values, Democracy Fund was established by eBay founder and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar. Incubated inside Omidyar Network, the Democracy Fund launched as an independent foundation in 2014 and is based in Washington, D.C.

Last Fall, Democracy Fund added a new strategy to its Elections Program focusing on the public’s Trust in Elections. We are now seeking a Senior Program Associate to lead this line of work, aimed at improving the security of elections and reducing gamesmanship around laws of political power. This new position involves grant making and other efforts to bolster the public’s trust in elections, address security threats to election technology, promote policies and practices to secure elections, and reduce attempts to change election law for partisan benefit. Such efforts may involve policy work, advocacy, coalition and relationship building, thought leadership, and innovative approaches to reduce real or perceived threats to American elections.

We are looking for candidates who are passionate about making our democracy work better. Strong candidates will possess several years of experience working on cybersecurity policy and leading advocacy or legislative policy change. The successful candidate will have a track record of working well with others to get things done in a complex, fast-paced environment and will thrive as part of a small, highly collaborative team. As we are a bipartisan organization, the willingness and ability to work well across the aisle is essential.

The Senior Program Associate will be a thought leader in the cybersecurity field and help policy leaders, elections officials, and the public understand the importance and urgency that attacks on our election infrastructure pose to our democracy. We are looking for someone who is able to translate cybersecurity concerns into practical solutions for election officials and policymakers. If you are energized about connecting the dots between cybersecurity and elections, this role presents a unique opportunity to blend philanthropy, policy development, legislative advocacy and promotion of research to respond to one our nation’s newest national security issues.

The Senior Program Associate will report to the Associate Director for Elections.

LEADERSHIP, POLICY ADVOCACY AND GRANT MAKING

Identify and develop policies to improve the security of and confidence in elections and promote their adoption through research, advocacy, speaking, and writing

Coordinate issue campaigns, direct lobbying, and coalition work when needed to support and defend policy goals through our affiliated 501c4, Democracy Fund Voice. Support efforts to build coalitions to identify and overcome challenges to policy adoption and improve ideas

Monitor trends, develop and promote research and best practices in the cybersecurity and elections field to inform the work, and work with election administrators to adapt this information for their use

Lead and manage grant making and strategic opportunities around election security and confidence. Provide support to and oversight of grantees, with a particular focus on relationship-building as an essential component to expanding our partnerships in the field

Manage the operational procedures and documentation associated with making grants, including proposal materials, organizational documentation, grant agreements, record keeping, and reporting requirements

STRATEGY, LEARNING, AND NETWORKS

Support the development and evolution of the Election Program strategy through research, study, experimentation, and evaluation

Promote effective communications around goals, priorities, and grantee efforts, particularly as it relates to security and confidence in elections

Facilitate increased dialogue and collaboration in the field by convening grantees, cybersecurity experts, election officials, academics, leaders, and others. Manage relationships and develop convenings and events as appropriate

Build relationships with program officers at other foundations, participate in philanthropic conferences, organize regular funder conversations, and otherwise support collaboration with peer funders

Disseminate learnings and establish the Democracy Fund brand through research, writing, and public speaking

TEAM MEMBER

Actively work to support the success of other staff members, not only within the Elections Program but the entire Democracy Fund team, and cultivate an organizational culture that is highly collaborative, positive, and productive

Collaborate with colleagues on supportive and complementary approaches that advance Democracy Fund’s overall mission and goals

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

Deep passion for strengthening American democracy

BA required, higher level degree strongly preferred

At least 5-7 years of experience working in cybersecurity, elections, or another area of relevant public policy

Strong relationships with organizational leaders and experts in the cybersecurity field and demonstrated experience working on issue advocacy and with coalitions

Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written), including the willingness and ability to communicate and collaborate with a diversity of leaders and stakeholders from across the political spectrum and different walks of life

Democracy Fund is committed to a diverse workplace, seeking voices and expertise from people from across the political spectrum. Our board, staff, advisors, and grantees include Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. Democracy Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where we encourage candidates of all ages, color, ethnic background, country of origin, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity to apply.